International Biodiversity Convention

The Biodiversity Convention in Nagoya appears to have has ended on a positive note : http://www.cbd.int

Following last year’s unsuccesful Copenhagen Summit on climate change (see previous post), the outcome of discussions in Japan may give some cause for optimism. If, as some have suggested, the end of the noughties is symbolised  by  the rescue of a group of  Chilean gold  miners, reflecting apparently super-human efforts above and below ground, perhaps the new spirit of co-operation invoked in my previous post has, at last, arrived. May this Titan spirit continue !

“Preparing for An Apocalypse Now”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/uk/8508730.stm

Yesterday’s BBC Radio 4 Programme “The World Tonight” carried an interesting and perhaps timely report on “Survivalism” (please see above link) : a movement associated with earlier eras of insecurity as this image from the Wikipedia Commons shows.

The businessman Richard Branson has also predicted a “New Oil Crisis” within the next few years, which he suggests will have a greater impact on the world economy than current financial problems.

BE PREPARED ! would seem to be a sensible strategy for all.

Birmingham Green New Deal

The following information is taken from www.regen.net :

Birmingham City Council has launched a scheme it hopes will create around 270 new jobs and apprenticeships and help the council meet its target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2026.

The Green New Deal, which is being piloted in four districts of the city, aims to make homes and businesses more energy efficient by fitting solar panels, new boilers and insulation. Local strategic partnership Be Birmingham and the Government’s Working Neighbourhoods Fund are backing the scheme with £1.19 million in funding.

Up to 25,000 homeowners and 1,000 businesses in Aston, Lozells, Northfield and Newtown will be offered the retrofitting work. The council says the scheme will create an estimated 170 apprenticeships and a further 111 jobs if 5,000 homeowners sign up to it.

Eligible homeowners, such as those over sixty years old and those with young children, will be able to apply for grants and subsidies to carry out the work, while others will be able to take out loans repayable over an agreed number of years using savings made on energy bills or profit made from selling excess energy back to the national grid.

The council said it will consider expanding the scheme across the city if it is successful.

Green Man Projects Website Update

Lady of the Waters – Update

Boris Johnson embraces the Lady of the Waters

Boris Johnson

The London Mayor’s adventures in South East London waters this week prompts me to update the profile for Lady of the Waters as follows :

This project is concerned with the well-being of the freshwater environment, and habitats connected to lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, together with the biodiversity and health of life which depends upon these, including human’s “Taking the Waters”.

Green Man Projects Update

Green Man Projects is a multi-disciplinary enterprise based in Southern Britain whose work portfolio includes :

The Green Man Project
Lady of the Waters
The SIRIUS Project
Land of Britain

The Green Man Project examines the role of “Green Heritage” – wildlife, landscape, farming and forestry, parks and gardens, regional food and drink etc –, together with festivals and other events linked to these, in the development of local distinctiveness and identity.

Lady of the Waters considers the importance “Taking the Waters” for the maintenance of health and wellbeing, whether through recreational swimming in the outdoor environment – sea, lake, river, pond, lido –, immersion in therapeutic baths and spas, or drinking spring water.

The SIRIUS Project looks at the importance of Sustainable Rural Industry and Skills in maintaining our Green Heritage and developing this in the future, with an emphasis on small and medium-sized farm enterprise, together with traditional and modern craft-based industry.

Land of Britain explores the notion of a “Spirit of the Land” in the literature and wider culture of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, including its manifestation in local religious celebrations, folklore and legend, as well as in the development of Earth-based and Green Spirituality.

In addition to the above, Green Man Projects provides a range of Project Services, including :

Research & Consultancy Studies
Support to Environmental Campaigns
Other Communication-based Resources
Back-Up for Training and other Events